Thursday, December 4, 2008
Today is a day for running errands and meeting some people from Partners of the America’s.
I went with Jorge and did some sight seeing. Not knowing I had seen the Equator 4 times, Jorge wanted to show me some beautiful, special things of Ecuador. I didn’t recognize where we were going until we got there and then I had to tell him I had been there before. We decided to go to the top of the mountain just beyond there. The scenery up there was spectacular. We saw a mother or grandmother, we couldn’t tell which, and two small boys walking along the highway carrying bundles so Jorge stopped and told them to get in the back of the truck. We gave them a ride to their casa. They were extremely grateful, I got a picture and it is atop of this section.
Neither of us had eaten breakfast so he wanted to go to this special restaurant at the very top of the mountain.
This was a wonderful sort of resort. Don’t know all they had there except a good restaurant, with a rude owner/waiter. We were the only ones there so you would have thought he would have been more cordial. Even with that this place turned out to be another one of those special times for me. Jorge was at a point in his life where he wanted to know God and more about Christianity. His wife and children are Catholic, but that isn’t what he wanted.
Previous to my arrival he had been talking to Diego about Christianity and the group of ministers that were involved in the conference, all prayed for him and the band and he was so moved and wanted to have the spirit fill him. While on top of this mountain, made by God and surrounded by all his wonders, we talked about God and what he had done in my life and what it meant and I gave him a few verses to read in the Bible. I didn’t know if he owned a Bible, so I had taken one that Diego had given me for him. He was very happy. We talked about miracles and all the things God can do in people’s lives.
Before I went home that afternoon I decided I wanted to look at a kitchen stove for Diego and Geovanna. Their stove is 25+ years old and the oven doesn’t work and one burner. Since I had someone close to me do a wonderful thing for me before I left on my trip, I decided that this was the time to pay it forward. Jorge and I looked and finally found one that was the right size and a real bargain. As luck would have it, Jorge had his truck and we were able to get it in and took it to the house. I hid it downstairs until the right time to give it to them. I think it will be Saturday as that will be a cleaning day and putting up the Xmas tree.
Concert
Got home and got it out and had just enough time to get ready to go to a Christian concert at 7:00. Just like the other night when everyone in the family went to see Xmas lights, we all crowed in the car and headed to the concert. When we arrived it started raining so we had to wait for a short time in the rain. The wait was worth it as the hall was beautiful. So many people were standing in line, but none complaining about the rain or the cold wind. Instead they were laughing and joking with each other in anticipation of the great event they were about to witness.
We had seats in the front row which was perfect. The two introducers of course spoke in Spanish. But I ws able once again to get most of what they said. There were approximately 50 musicians and the choir has probably 75 people. I had never been to a concert like this so for me it was a very special night. The music was the most beaautiful sound I have ever heard. They had a special appearance from Dino Vidal. He is a violinist from Cuba. He tours all over the world and he can make thaqt instument talk. He has a great personality to go along with being a great musician. He will be appearing at our Conference on the 9th.
The Director was Roberto Rojas. A talented musician in his own right. He plays numerous instruments and sings with a couple of the special group songs. His personality was also a big part of what made the evening so enjoyable.
Out of all the special activities, I have been priveledged to attend, this one touched my soul like no other. Another of my passions is music, and my life is controlled by it and my heart signs to every tune I hear.
We left the concert, again with a full car load. We went to the casa and people literally rolled out of the car. It was a great evening.
I went with Jorge and did some sight seeing. Not knowing I had seen the Equator 4 times, Jorge wanted to show me some beautiful, special things of Ecuador. I didn’t recognize where we were going until we got there and then I had to tell him I had been there before. We decided to go to the top of the mountain just beyond there. The scenery up there was spectacular. We saw a mother or grandmother, we couldn’t tell which, and two small boys walking along the highway carrying bundles so Jorge stopped and told them to get in the back of the truck. We gave them a ride to their casa. They were extremely grateful, I got a picture and it is atop of this section.
Neither of us had eaten breakfast so he wanted to go to this special restaurant at the very top of the mountain.
This was a wonderful sort of resort. Don’t know all they had there except a good restaurant, with a rude owner/waiter. We were the only ones there so you would have thought he would have been more cordial. Even with that this place turned out to be another one of those special times for me. Jorge was at a point in his life where he wanted to know God and more about Christianity. His wife and children are Catholic, but that isn’t what he wanted.
Previous to my arrival he had been talking to Diego about Christianity and the group of ministers that were involved in the conference, all prayed for him and the band and he was so moved and wanted to have the spirit fill him. While on top of this mountain, made by God and surrounded by all his wonders, we talked about God and what he had done in my life and what it meant and I gave him a few verses to read in the Bible. I didn’t know if he owned a Bible, so I had taken one that Diego had given me for him. He was very happy. We talked about miracles and all the things God can do in people’s lives.
Before I went home that afternoon I decided I wanted to look at a kitchen stove for Diego and Geovanna. Their stove is 25+ years old and the oven doesn’t work and one burner. Since I had someone close to me do a wonderful thing for me before I left on my trip, I decided that this was the time to pay it forward. Jorge and I looked and finally found one that was the right size and a real bargain. As luck would have it, Jorge had his truck and we were able to get it in and took it to the house. I hid it downstairs until the right time to give it to them. I think it will be Saturday as that will be a cleaning day and putting up the Xmas tree.
Concert
Got home and got it out and had just enough time to get ready to go to a Christian concert at 7:00. Just like the other night when everyone in the family went to see Xmas lights, we all crowed in the car and headed to the concert. When we arrived it started raining so we had to wait for a short time in the rain. The wait was worth it as the hall was beautiful. So many people were standing in line, but none complaining about the rain or the cold wind. Instead they were laughing and joking with each other in anticipation of the great event they were about to witness.
We had seats in the front row which was perfect. The two introducers of course spoke in Spanish. But I ws able once again to get most of what they said. There were approximately 50 musicians and the choir has probably 75 people. I had never been to a concert like this so for me it was a very special night. The music was the most beaautiful sound I have ever heard. They had a special appearance from Dino Vidal. He is a violinist from Cuba. He tours all over the world and he can make thaqt instument talk. He has a great personality to go along with being a great musician. He will be appearing at our Conference on the 9th.
The Director was Roberto Rojas. A talented musician in his own right. He plays numerous instruments and sings with a couple of the special group songs. His personality was also a big part of what made the evening so enjoyable.
Out of all the special activities, I have been priveledged to attend, this one touched my soul like no other. Another of my passions is music, and my life is controlled by it and my heart signs to every tune I hear.
We left the concert, again with a full car load. We went to the casa and people literally rolled out of the car. It was a great evening.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Breakfast Conference Planning Meeting
An early rising this morning left me longing to be home in my own bed. I knew this was an important day so had to muster up all the energy I had and pray that God would give me the energy I had to have and the knowledge I needed to participate in this last planning meeting for this important Breakfast Conference. This is possibly the most important meeting of my life time. I may never know why God chose me for this mission but I know I must give it all my energy and dedication.
We headed for the meeting and the sun wasn't even up. The traffic was no less than any other time of day. As we wove in and out of traffic I couldn't help but wonder if all the people around us were aware of the meeting of a life time was about to happen and could possibly change their lives forever, for the better.
We arrived at Diego's office, where the meeting was going to be held. He had me go to the meeting room to check and make sure things were progressing for the breakfast that would be served. Although this was a planning meeting we were serving breakfast. The servers were hustling like little beavers building a dam.
The participants began to arrive and the majority did speak a little English but even if they didn't they were all so friendly and God's love shown brightly in their eyes. I gave each one an Idaho Pin and you would have thought I gave them a large piece of gold. It always amazes me about giving pins to these people, it is always a joy for me.
The meeting itself went very well. I was the only women their besides a women reporter. It was very strange but even though I couldn't understand most of what was said, I could by Gods grace understand what they were talking about. It brought me to a moment in my life where I knew deep within my soul that God had sent me here to Ecuador and had a plan for my involvement in this very special place.
Besides Diego the only person attending that I knew was Jorge, from the Ecuadorian Brass Band. It was a joy for me to be able to get him involved with this event. One of his special groups are playing the National Anthem of Ecuador at the Conference. What a thrill that will be.
The meeting ended with volumes of prayers.
AFTERNOON ON THE SPEEDWAY.
Diego had made arrangements for Jorge to take me home after the meeting. Before that happened we went on a ride through the city with Mario Andretti. I am sure it was him if not maybe it was Dale Earnhart. Jr. We were going so fast and weaving in and out of traffic like a maniac. I finally just closed my eyes. We were headed to a meeting that Jorge had at the Catholic Church for a special event for his band. We met his wife there. The only problem with the church was the meeting was on the 6th floor and as luck would have it, you guessed it. no elevators. But the brave soul that I am I made it to the top, of course my tongue was hanging out and my legs were like rubber, so I composed myself and went with him to the meeting. It was a great meeting and his band will play before Xmas.
Going down the stairs weren't half as bad, but the walk to the parking garage was a nightmare. It was all uphill. Like San Francisco. So reflecting on the day's events with Jorge, I should have had a video camera and I could have made a movie like the ones that have a chase scene in it. Oh well live and learn.
When I got back to the casa, needless to say, I was exhausted. Climbing the stairs to Diego's house was almost impossible in an upright position. Having made it I ate and came down to my room, hopefully I don't have dreams of my exciting ride today.
Goodnight friends, where ever you are in GOD'S world tonight.
We headed for the meeting and the sun wasn't even up. The traffic was no less than any other time of day. As we wove in and out of traffic I couldn't help but wonder if all the people around us were aware of the meeting of a life time was about to happen and could possibly change their lives forever, for the better.
We arrived at Diego's office, where the meeting was going to be held. He had me go to the meeting room to check and make sure things were progressing for the breakfast that would be served. Although this was a planning meeting we were serving breakfast. The servers were hustling like little beavers building a dam.
The participants began to arrive and the majority did speak a little English but even if they didn't they were all so friendly and God's love shown brightly in their eyes. I gave each one an Idaho Pin and you would have thought I gave them a large piece of gold. It always amazes me about giving pins to these people, it is always a joy for me.
The meeting itself went very well. I was the only women their besides a women reporter. It was very strange but even though I couldn't understand most of what was said, I could by Gods grace understand what they were talking about. It brought me to a moment in my life where I knew deep within my soul that God had sent me here to Ecuador and had a plan for my involvement in this very special place.
Besides Diego the only person attending that I knew was Jorge, from the Ecuadorian Brass Band. It was a joy for me to be able to get him involved with this event. One of his special groups are playing the National Anthem of Ecuador at the Conference. What a thrill that will be.
The meeting ended with volumes of prayers.
AFTERNOON ON THE SPEEDWAY.
Diego had made arrangements for Jorge to take me home after the meeting. Before that happened we went on a ride through the city with Mario Andretti. I am sure it was him if not maybe it was Dale Earnhart. Jr. We were going so fast and weaving in and out of traffic like a maniac. I finally just closed my eyes. We were headed to a meeting that Jorge had at the Catholic Church for a special event for his band. We met his wife there. The only problem with the church was the meeting was on the 6th floor and as luck would have it, you guessed it. no elevators. But the brave soul that I am I made it to the top, of course my tongue was hanging out and my legs were like rubber, so I composed myself and went with him to the meeting. It was a great meeting and his band will play before Xmas.
Going down the stairs weren't half as bad, but the walk to the parking garage was a nightmare. It was all uphill. Like San Francisco. So reflecting on the day's events with Jorge, I should have had a video camera and I could have made a movie like the ones that have a chase scene in it. Oh well live and learn.
When I got back to the casa, needless to say, I was exhausted. Climbing the stairs to Diego's house was almost impossible in an upright position. Having made it I ate and came down to my room, hopefully I don't have dreams of my exciting ride today.
Goodnight friends, where ever you are in GOD'S world tonight.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Bullfights
Bull Fights
This morning was uneventful unless you call looking for lost keys uneventful. Diego had returned from The Galapogos Islands the night before. When he started to leave for work he could not find his keys, Cheeeeeze how many times have I done that????
This morning was uneventful unless you call looking for lost keys uneventful. Diego had returned from The Galapogos Islands the night before. When he started to leave for work he could not find his keys, Cheeeeeze how many times have I done that????
Well we looked everywhere and no keys to be found. He remembered having them to le himself into the locked gate at the house and that was the last time he saw them. Apparently he left them in the gate and they were long gone by this time.
So the morning was lost time. We had to be at the Bill Fights by 3:00 so we loaded everyone in the car and away we went. Since Diego had their tickets for almost a year we had to get tickets for me. That in itself was an adventure. Scalpers were all around the arena and we found that they were cheaper than buying one at the gate. After buying tickets for Verla and I we worked our way around to the gate we were to go in through. Since of course our tickets weren’t near where they were sitting, she and I went in, got some food and drinks and headed to the stands.
Since Murphy’s law follows me everywhere I go, it stands to reason that our seats would be near the tope of the stadium. We’re not taking just a few
Stairs we are talking half way to the moon. Anyway we climbed forever it seemed and found our seats and got next to some crazy fun people. If you have never been to a Bull Fight, I say go. It is really fun and, if you like talking to strangers that only speak a little English, but you know exactly what they are saying, then it is a must. Here they only have them once a year so I know thousands or people were there.
Stairs we are talking half way to the moon. Anyway we climbed forever it seemed and found our seats and got next to some crazy fun people. If you have never been to a Bull Fight, I say go. It is really fun and, if you like talking to strangers that only speak a little English, but you know exactly what they are saying, then it is a must. Here they only have them once a year so I know thousands or people were there.
We were invited to a special reception that was held for the fighters so as soon as the last bull hit the dust, so to speak, we left. It was crazy getting out of there but once we got to the hotel where the reception was it was great. Super food and a great band playing. As happens in Ecuador all the time, things and events change on a moments notice so the fighters decided they weren’t going to come to the restaurant until late that night. (If I had the work out they had, I wouldn’t show up anywhere for a week).
Anyway came home and hit the sack, unfortunately I was fighting bulls all night and didn’t sleep well.
Surely the next night would be better????
Monday, December 1, 2008
Monday Xmas Adventure
When I got up this morning I never dreamed I would have a night of thrills and chills.
The daytime hours were calm and production. Spent most of the time on the computer catching up on correspondence.
Diego came home and said that this evening would be spent with his relatives, we would visit, have a typical Ecuadorian dinner and play cards until the wee hours.
Well it started out at least walking out the door was normal. It was when we got to the car that the adventure began. I met Diego’s brother, wife, youngest daughter and a nephew that lives here in the family complex. It is Geovanna’s sister’s son.
Well imagine my surprise when all of us (11) were loaded into Diego’s Jeep Landrover. I knew that the Ecuadorian people didn’t have any conception of space between people, but this was going a little beyond that.
We drove into town and, goodness we stopped for another daughter of Diego’s brother. So our total was now 12. Needless to say we got to know each other quickly and well. Actually we had so much fun, laughing and signing and of course I was the only one who wasn’t fluent in Spanish. So as usual it was a game we play ½ English and ½ Spanish. I have so much fun plus I am learning more Spanish than I thought I would.
The next step in our adventure turned out to be a tour of the city. We saw the worst parts, where crime is very high, we went past the jail, and then down to the better side and where the government Offices were and took a walking tour of that area. At night it is gorgeous with all the lights. There are so many churches it is unreal.
We poured ourselves back in the car and Diego said we were going to hike up this mountain and see the nativity scene that was made up of lights. Of course I was the first to let him know I would look at them from the bottom. Diego cracked up as he was kidding about hiking. So we started up this narrow, bumpy road to the top.
After regaining some composure I opened my eyes and saw the most meaningful display of lights I have ever seen. It was worth every moment of terror getting up to the top. There were vendors and displays so we walked around, took pictures and just took in the view from the top. As I stood there I truly felt God’s presence. It was a very special moment in my life.
Heading back didn’t seem so bad as going up. Plus it didn’t seem to take forever either. By then we were starving, and headed for the restaurant. We got to the place we were going and of course by then it was closed. So we took another ½ hour to find a place. We found this place and ended up having a typical “American Hamburger”, go figure. It was good and after that we headed home, dropping off the family at their home.
Needless to say all the excitement of the evening kept playing in my brain for hours making sleep impossible and before I knew it, it was morning. Oh well tomorrow has another night I keep telling myself, I will catch up then.
Stay tuned friends it gets even better.
Chao
The daytime hours were calm and production. Spent most of the time on the computer catching up on correspondence.
Diego came home and said that this evening would be spent with his relatives, we would visit, have a typical Ecuadorian dinner and play cards until the wee hours.
Well it started out at least walking out the door was normal. It was when we got to the car that the adventure began. I met Diego’s brother, wife, youngest daughter and a nephew that lives here in the family complex. It is Geovanna’s sister’s son.
Well imagine my surprise when all of us (11) were loaded into Diego’s Jeep Landrover. I knew that the Ecuadorian people didn’t have any conception of space between people, but this was going a little beyond that.
We drove into town and, goodness we stopped for another daughter of Diego’s brother. So our total was now 12. Needless to say we got to know each other quickly and well. Actually we had so much fun, laughing and signing and of course I was the only one who wasn’t fluent in Spanish. So as usual it was a game we play ½ English and ½ Spanish. I have so much fun plus I am learning more Spanish than I thought I would.
The next step in our adventure turned out to be a tour of the city. We saw the worst parts, where crime is very high, we went past the jail, and then down to the better side and where the government Offices were and took a walking tour of that area. At night it is gorgeous with all the lights. There are so many churches it is unreal.
We poured ourselves back in the car and Diego said we were going to hike up this mountain and see the nativity scene that was made up of lights. Of course I was the first to let him know I would look at them from the bottom. Diego cracked up as he was kidding about hiking. So we started up this narrow, bumpy road to the top.
After regaining some composure I opened my eyes and saw the most meaningful display of lights I have ever seen. It was worth every moment of terror getting up to the top. There were vendors and displays so we walked around, took pictures and just took in the view from the top. As I stood there I truly felt God’s presence. It was a very special moment in my life.
Heading back didn’t seem so bad as going up. Plus it didn’t seem to take forever either. By then we were starving, and headed for the restaurant. We got to the place we were going and of course by then it was closed. So we took another ½ hour to find a place. We found this place and ended up having a typical “American Hamburger”, go figure. It was good and after that we headed home, dropping off the family at their home.
Needless to say all the excitement of the evening kept playing in my brain for hours making sleep impossible and before I knew it, it was morning. Oh well tomorrow has another night I keep telling myself, I will catch up then.
Stay tuned friends it gets even better.
Chao
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